I was reading on another forum yesterday about Sears potentially selling off major brand names like Kenmore and Craftsman. That thread had more details about other companies placing bids until the end of the month when Sears was slated to make a decision to sell or not sell the Craftsman name brand. Then I found this in my news feed this a.m. (it is by the NY Times, which I have been skeptical of lately so no guarantees of its content) http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/05/business/dealbook/sears-craftsman-retailing.html?_r=0
I own many drawers worth of Craftsman hand tools (sockets,ratchets,wrenches) spanning a few decades of manufacturing. Probably 3/4 of my Craftsman stuff was made 85'- early 2000's and I can tell a difference in quality of the old vs the more recent stuff made circa 05. I have been disappointed with the brand recently since I have broken newer sockets with typical use like a 18" breaker bar, and it's not the old sockets breaking. Aside from the finish the old sockets and wrenches are pretty much like new.
If the Craftsman brand does continue on under new management, I wonder how it will effect the "life time warranty" which has already been under distress with Sears. Any thoughts on this?
And while were at it whats everyone's preferred brand now days? Personally I think the Snap On prices are crazy, but a tool is something that I've learned to "buy right the first time, or buy it twice".
I own many drawers worth of Craftsman hand tools (sockets,ratchets,wrenches) spanning a few decades of manufacturing. Probably 3/4 of my Craftsman stuff was made 85'- early 2000's and I can tell a difference in quality of the old vs the more recent stuff made circa 05. I have been disappointed with the brand recently since I have broken newer sockets with typical use like a 18" breaker bar, and it's not the old sockets breaking. Aside from the finish the old sockets and wrenches are pretty much like new.
If the Craftsman brand does continue on under new management, I wonder how it will effect the "life time warranty" which has already been under distress with Sears. Any thoughts on this?
And while were at it whats everyone's preferred brand now days? Personally I think the Snap On prices are crazy, but a tool is something that I've learned to "buy right the first time, or buy it twice".